Contributed by Zyana Morris
Staying in perfect shape isn’t the easiest task. After all, you need the right amount of motivation to hit the gym or stay away from those carbs. All this may seem confusing at first, but nothing beats being able to fit in your old pair of jeans.
Having a toned, well-sculpted body not only looks good but also boosts your confidence. However, maintaining the perfect body requires effort so be prepared to take out your running shoes. If you think you still have a long way to go with your goals, it’s time you focus on boosting workout motivation and switch to a healthier lifestyle.
Here’s how you can achieve your dream body.
Figure out your goals
How do you expect to get to the finish line if you don’t have any fitness goals in the first place? Take the time to prioritize your goals and to boost motivation. Keep your eyes on the prize and remember to reward yourself with every milestone.
Figure out your driving force and wake up every day with the same mindset. Give yourself an extra push by setting the alarm on your phone or by sticking a note in the mirror. You’ll feel so much better when your goals are all laid out in front of you.
If you think your goals are too far fetched and difficult to achieve, break them down into small, attainable milestones for more impact. You may seek help from a hardcore fitness freak for expert advice.
Stock up on new recipe books
Following the same workout routine is equally boring as eating the same kind of foods every day. Stock up on new recipe books to create delicious, healthy meals that will tantalize your taste buds. If you’re into smoothies, stock up on a variety of fruits and vegetables and prep them on the weekends to create different concoctions for yourself every day. After all, eating healthy is just as important as working out to achieve the perfect body. Make sure your pantry is always stocked with healthy goodies so that you’re not inclined to bow down to your cravings for sugar-loaded snacks.
Reconnect with yourself
Ever wonder why you’re never able to cross over 15 reps? Perhaps it’s not a physical restraint that’s holding you back, it’s all in your head.
If you’re no longer excited about your fitness goals, it’s time you de-stress and try to figure out why. If you think your priorities have shifted, the best thing to do is separate your personal life from your fitness life. Of course, it’s easier to sulk at home and chill with Netflix, but that won’t solve any of your problems. Make it a point to head over to the gym every time you’re stressed or have plenty on your mind. Working out will not only clear your head but will bring you closer to achieving the perfect body.
Look for healthy places to eat out
Let’s be realistic: you can’t avoid your friends or stop attending hangouts just because you’re opting for a healthier lifestyle. To make things easier, start looking for a bunch of healthy places where you can eat out with your friends. It’s also a good idea to call a restaurant beforehand and speak to them about your diet preferences. Who knows, maybe they’ll offer to tweak their menu for you. This is particularly important for people who have food allergies or are opting for a gluten-free diet.
Spice up your workout routine
Doing pushups every day may not be the answer for you. Cure boredom by spicing up your workout routine. Opt for a variety of strength training exercises that’ll push you to do your best. You can get new ideas online, or by signing up for a gym class or by teaming up with a fitness buddy.
The downpour of ‘fresh’ information can be incredibly useful for someone who’s tired of following the same workout routine. Better yet, you can also mix and match fitness plans by throwing in your favorite exercises.
Watch out for bad company
This may sound a little bit harsh, but it’s probably best to avoid bad company. This includes people who are always snubbing you for ordering a salad or make a fuss about you going to the gym every day. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who share the same goals as you will drive you into getting fit.
On the other hand, hanging out with people who continuously belittle you for making changes in your lifestyle may slow down your progress. Start hanging out with people from the gym or encourage your roommate to start eating healthy as well.
Another cool way to boost motivation is to subscribe to fitness blogs and magazines. Reading articles and blogs about healthy living and maintaining the perfect shape will undoubtedly encourage you to keep going. Remember, it’s never too late to start living healthy.